Don T Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

NEWH Fundraising 101 Helpful Hints

“Don’t bite off more than you can chew”  Have realistic expectations and set goals for success of event.

“What works for one chapter may not work for another”  Some chapters offer silent auctions as an additional component to their event which works well for their guests.  Other chapters have opted not to conduct a silent auction.  Make the determination on what you feel works best for your demographics and event  If decide on a silent auction, think of different ways to freshen it up. Some great suggestions have been to put “packages” together. (ie. Sports package, spa package, romance package…) Ask when go to favorite restaurant.

“If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”  Sometimes it is good to break it  Determine if event is still relevant or has become somewhat outdated

Brand the Fundraising Event  Create consistent graphics to utilize when promoting the event  Develop long term logo

Utilize social media to promote event

Know your target audience/demographics  What do attendees want to see as an event?  Be cognizant of what other organizations may be having for their fundraising events

Treat as a Business  Create a 5 year business plan  Resources – Pages 72-88 of NEWH handbook pertains important information pertaining to fundraising. Great resources – budget calculator, checklist, contracts, name badges…..  Work with National for attendee list  Keep accurate financials  Participate in conference calls  Contact other Fundraising Directors outside of conference calls  Create gmail account  Easier to monitor budgets and emails  Be organized!  Pass information on to the next Fundraising Chair (think sustainability)

Create Strong Committee  Develop list of positions/tasks needed for event  When possible, ask for involvement of other board members to meetings  Like all other disciplines within NEWH, Fundraising is hard work. Let those interested in volunteering know this up front. But, don’t scare them off!!!  It is a good idea to have a good mix of designers and reps/manufacturers  When possible, get participation from students – remember that they benefit from the efforts  Be flexible with committee members and volunteers  Committees are where we can find our future board members

SPONSORS

Corporate Sponsors  Work with National to dissiminate information to our Corporate Sponsors to offer opportunity to participate as an event sponsor as well.  Recognize at ALL events

Event Sponsors  Develop levels of sponsorship for the event  Do not be afraid to ask for higher sponsor amounts.  Create action plan to obtain sponsors. Some feel it is easier for a designer to ask for sponsorship dollars  Most manufactureres/businesses create their budgets the beginning of the year. Best to get information of the event to them quickly.  Set up guidelines and deadlines to obtain sponsors’ paperwork, money, logos.  Recognize at ALL events V.I.P TREATMENT

Some of the below is what will separate your event from all others!

Corporate Sponsors  Work with National to obtain list of guests attending from Corporate Sponsors  Have Corporate Sponsor banner at event  Recognize them during the event

Event Sponsors  Maintain working list of Event Sponsors  If budget permits, have a “step and repeat” produced  Recognize them during the event

Special Touches  Hand deliver and/or mail tickets/passes  VIP Valet Parking Passes  VIP Greeter/Handler – Utilize a committee member/event volunteer  VIP Check In with badges identifying them as a Sponsor. (some chapters do not use badges for fundraising events)  VIP cocktail waitress  Most Sponsors do not want to be separated from other guests  Be sure to thank each and every sponsor when you see them at any and all events  Think of a special “thank you” for each sponsor (ie picture, certificate…..)  Send out thank you letter once a sponsor commits to a sponsorship level acknowledging them  Make sure ALL sponsors feel welcomed at all events

Most importantly, be gracious and appreciative of our NEWH Corporate Sponsors and your event sponsors. If it was not for their generous contributions to our events, we would not be as successful of an organization.

Develop long lasting relationships with sponsors.

Always remember to breath, relax, and have fun!